How to choose the right load cell?
Weight measurement methods vary depending on the application. To select the best load cell for a certain application, users need to evaluate three factors: the environment, the location, and the load itself. The process of selecting a load cell is sometimes complicated by the fact that each alternative has its distinct advantages. This load cell selection guide will help you make the correct decision.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Load Cell
Choosing the appropriate load cell is a multi-step procedure that takes into account many parameters. Certainly, the load cell’s measurement range, accuracy, linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability are vital, but there are other critical aspects to consider – ones that customers do not typically consider.
Load characteristics.
The nature of the load and how it will interact with the load cell can help determine which load cell type to utilize. Here are some of the following questions you need to answer:
- Which sort of load is being measured: bending, compression, tension, or shear?
- What form of mechanical connection is required?
- Will the loading condition be centered or not centered?
- Is the loading static (continuous), dynamic (timed in seconds or milliseconds), or impact (accelerated and stopped abruptly)?
These questions are important because load cell manufacturers can provide solutions to lessen the consequences of specific types of loads. For example, a five-pound bowling ball gently put on a scale is static loading and will not overload the load cell construction. However, dropping the identical ball from a height of three feet can generate nearly 1,000 pounds of force. This is dynamic loading, and it will damage load cells that are not built to bear such force.
Environmental considerations
Where is the application’s physical location? Will the load cells be located indoors and protected? Or will they be outside, continuously exposed to damp and humidity, dust, changing temperatures, and severe heat or cold? These and other external factors can influence load cell working.
Outdoor load cells should be composed of materials that are resistant to water corrosion and have a better ingress protection (IP) rating. Furthermore, because load cell technology is based on the Wheatstone bridge circuit, temperature has a substantial impact on the bridge’s resistance and hence affects force measurement. Temperature-compensated load cells, such as the F2226 tension/compression force transducer, are essential in situations with temperature changes.
Load Cell Location
Force equipment comes in a variety of sizes and combinations. Because load cells are incorporated into the equipment, they must have a certain size and shape, which is determined by how much or little space is available and how that space is organized.
The location will also influence which load cell types are ideal. For example, high-tech hospital beds can employ a variety of load cells. Bending or shear beams are ideal choices if mounting them between each caster wheel and its attachment point beneath the bed. But, if the load cell is positioned between the lower and higher bedframes, planar (flat) cells are preferred.
Get the Best Quality Load Cells From Optima
Optima Weightech Private Limited has decades of expertise in producing load cells and other force measurement equipment. Our specialists help you choose the appropriate load sensor for your needs. We have the resources and knowledge to provide a custom solution. Contact us for further information.
Optima Weightech Pvt. Ltd.
Optima Weightech is a highly reputable manufacturer of industrial automation and process weighing systems, with over 14+ years of experience. Our experts use their industry experience and product knowledge to design a reliable weighing product range.
